HomeNewsLeading trade associations BHA and ALMR to merge as UKHospitality

Leading trade associations BHA and ALMR to merge as UKHospitality

23/01/2018 - 10:26

The British Hospitality Association (BHA) and the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) have announced plans to merge together and create a ‘powerful new voice’ for Britain’s hospitality businesses, under the name UKHospitality.

The decision from two of the UK’s leading trade associations to poll resources has been made to create a “strong single voice” for the sector and create a ‘powerful platform for change’, according to Casual Dining Group chief executive Steve Richards, who is in line to become deputy chair of the new organisation.

Richards will be joined in the senior management team by ALMR chief, Kate Nicholls, who has been made chief executive officer-elect, and by current head of Merlin Entertainments Plc, Nick Varney, who is set to be elected chair of the new group.

“It is one of our fastest growing, most productive industries and last year it delivered one in eight of all new jobs.

“Faced with unprecedented political and regulatory pressures, now more than ever it requires the strongest and most effective voice within government.

“UKHospitality will be that vital voice and I am relishing the prospect of working with members to deliver both strong and connected relationships with government and a shared ambition to reshape the future of hospitality.”

• Hospitality is the 3rd largest private sector employer in the UK; double the size of financial services and bigger than automotive, pharmaceuticals and aerospace combined

• The sector is calling for a dedicated Minister to champion the industry at home and abroad and a sector deal, brokered with government, to support skills and productivity

Alongside the merger proposals, the two bodies have released new figures emphasising what they say is the size, scale and importance of the sector and its continued potential for growth.

They forecast that the sector will grow by 4.3% generating 19,000 additional jobs by 2020.

“Hospitality is a prosperous and vibrant sector with great potential for further growth if the right policies are in place and a single, strong trade association will be ideally positioned to provide that support," said Varney.

“We are calling for a new ministerial champion and sector deal enabling the hospitality sector to invest in world-class careers and customer experiences.”